In this image from video, Pocono Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner, right, and Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Michael Rakaczewski hold a news conference at the police station in Pocono Summit, Pa., on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, to discuss charges in the hazing death of New York City college student Chun “Michael” Deng.

POCONO SUMMIT, Pa. – The lawyer for a fraternity member expected to be charged with murder in the death of a New York City college freshman during a hazing ritual says his client will mount a vigorous defense.

Jim Swetz represents Charles Lai. A grand jury recommended Lai and four others be charged with third-degree murder in the 2013 death of Chun “Michael” Deng” at a rental house in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, about 100 miles west of New York.

The panel recommended lesser charges against dozens of other fraternity brothers.

Five people, including the former national president of the Pi Delta Psi fraternity, were charged Tuesday with hazing, hindering apprehension and conspiracy.

Swetz says, “This case is a terrible tragedy, but not all tragedies involve criminal conduct.”

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